Suggested Change to Self-Reporting Regulations

I believe the licensing standards should be revised regarding how child care centers are treated when self-reporting incidents of staff misconduct or suspected child abuse. Currently, centers that responsibly self-report and take immediate corrective action—including terminating the employee and ensuring the safety of children—are still penalized and written up, which negatively impacts their licensing safety rating.

This approach discourages transparency and could unintentionally lead to centers hesitating to report serious concerns in order to avoid penalties. Programs that act responsibly to protect children and uphold ethical standards should be recognized, not penalized, for their accountability and commitment to safety.